Theresa
Well-known member
I have only been a member of this site for a few weeks but already I am over-whelmed by the wealth of expertise and love of the cav that is present here. So I need some sound advice, please.
As some of you may know, I am currently fostering (since yesterday) a 5 year old tri-colour ex-puppy stud through Many Tears (South Wales). His name is Max (but he doesn't answer to it so I expect he didn't have a name and the rescue just called him Max). I call him Benson!! My parents were hoping to adopt him as they are looking for a cav having fallen in love with my Missy! Today I had to take him to the vet as his neutering wound was looking a bit 'gammy'. Sure enough, he has a wound infection, ear mites and worse of all a grade 5 heart murmur. Tonight, eating his dinner, he started coughing.
Forgive me for ranting a little here folks but it just makes me soooo mad. He has been used for breeding with this murmur. All those puppies who are now precious fur babies to people will undoubtedly be affected. Worse, he is so skinny that his back bone and pelvic bones are sticking out!!! They couldn't even feed him properly! He has not a jot of muscle on him and when I walk him I have to carry him for a bit every 50 yards or so cos he is exhausted. His skin is also flaking due to his poor condition.
The vet was understandably horrified. There are several people who have offered him a home but they don't know his circumstances yet. I have been told I can vet them. I want to keep him myself but my family are horrified as I have 2 dogs already. My parents, understandably, say they want a reasonably well dog for their first dog, but generously have said they will take him if noone else will (although I'm not sure if my dad is 100% behind that plan. He is a difficult man!!).
What do I do????
My gut says he is not going anywhere. I bought a beautiful cane dog bed that both mine ignore but, for some reason, he snores in happily. I have just qualified as a doctor so I can afford his medication. But, of course, I work. Mine are happy at home and get walked by a walker at lunchtime (and by me before and after work). But, maybe he needs someone who is home all day. I am so sad for him and so unsure what to do.
Do I keep him for the year or 2 he may have left and risk the wrath of my family (anyone with an over-bearing mother will understand that one) or do I let him go?? Life!!! It is never simple!!!
As some of you may know, I am currently fostering (since yesterday) a 5 year old tri-colour ex-puppy stud through Many Tears (South Wales). His name is Max (but he doesn't answer to it so I expect he didn't have a name and the rescue just called him Max). I call him Benson!! My parents were hoping to adopt him as they are looking for a cav having fallen in love with my Missy! Today I had to take him to the vet as his neutering wound was looking a bit 'gammy'. Sure enough, he has a wound infection, ear mites and worse of all a grade 5 heart murmur. Tonight, eating his dinner, he started coughing.
Forgive me for ranting a little here folks but it just makes me soooo mad. He has been used for breeding with this murmur. All those puppies who are now precious fur babies to people will undoubtedly be affected. Worse, he is so skinny that his back bone and pelvic bones are sticking out!!! They couldn't even feed him properly! He has not a jot of muscle on him and when I walk him I have to carry him for a bit every 50 yards or so cos he is exhausted. His skin is also flaking due to his poor condition.
The vet was understandably horrified. There are several people who have offered him a home but they don't know his circumstances yet. I have been told I can vet them. I want to keep him myself but my family are horrified as I have 2 dogs already. My parents, understandably, say they want a reasonably well dog for their first dog, but generously have said they will take him if noone else will (although I'm not sure if my dad is 100% behind that plan. He is a difficult man!!).
What do I do????
My gut says he is not going anywhere. I bought a beautiful cane dog bed that both mine ignore but, for some reason, he snores in happily. I have just qualified as a doctor so I can afford his medication. But, of course, I work. Mine are happy at home and get walked by a walker at lunchtime (and by me before and after work). But, maybe he needs someone who is home all day. I am so sad for him and so unsure what to do.
Do I keep him for the year or 2 he may have left and risk the wrath of my family (anyone with an over-bearing mother will understand that one) or do I let him go?? Life!!! It is never simple!!!